Summer 2019: Conservation Maximized a Wet Planting Season

Mark Heckman of Heckman Farms in Muscatine County only needed seven days to plant the 2019 corn and soybean crops. Unfortunately, his planting window extended from May 6 to June 7. But by the time planting began, the cover crops had established good growth and were doing their job of suppressing weeds.

Heckman’s ground is more forgiving because they have been no-tilling and using cover crops for several years. “The cover crops helped to move the moisture down deeper into the soil. That, along with our no-till and conservation tillage practices, have dramatically improved the structure of the soil and helps to allow us to get into the fields without creating substantial damage,” he said.

During the wet spring, it was apparent this year’s crop would be planted in less-than-ideal conditions.

Spring 2019: Waiting for ‘Just Right’ Soil Conditions

Muscatine County farmer Mark Heckman of Heckman Farms says his greatest concern this spring is combating the mentality to rush to get fieldwork done. He knows it takes patience and it pays to wait until soil conditions are just right.

Heckman is thankful the fall manure application was completed, but has some spring applications that need to be done. “We also try to push as much of our nitrogen applications to the spring,” he said. “Our applicator reduces air pressure in the tires, which allows them to get into the fields when others have to wait. This also helps reduce soil compaction.”

Because of the long harvest season last fall, some of their planned cover crop acres did not get seeded. “We plan to plant some of those acres yet this spring, especially in areas that aren’t as well drained. We want to get a root established and build organic matter,” he said.